Pinding, belatedly realizing that her appearance had displeased the Empress, did not believe her own thoughts were wrong. Especially since she had already given birth to four daughters, and Fan Xudong had never shown any impatience towards her, nor had he even considered taking a concubine. Therefore, out of a sense of guilt, she was determined to bear him a son, even at the risk of her life.
Zhao Jiaqi did not agree with the Empress's statement; such ideas had already become ingrained. Therefore, there was no right or wrong to argue about. The air grew slightly still, and Leng Han happened to arrive at the palace, momentarily easing the tension.
Leng Han first paid his respects to the Empress and then bowed to the other ladies, showing particular deference to Zhao Jiaqi. Although Leng Shuang’s surname was Leng and her name contained the character for frost, suggesting a cold demeanor, she was overly enthusiastic towards her younger brother. Upon seeing her dashing and handsome brother, her smile never left her face, and her eyes twinkled with warmth.
"Sister, I accidentally obtained two baskets of cherries and have come to present one to you," Leng Han said.
Leng Shuang waved him to sit down, asking with a smile, "Didn't you bring two baskets? Who is the other one for?" She assumed it was for the Emperor and didn't think much of it, her question intended to show the other consorts how close her brother was to the Emperor, thus achieving her own goal.
Leng Han’s eyes burned with intensity as he looked at Zhao Jiaqi, subtly saying, "I heard that the County Princess has accompanied the Prince and Princess to the capital this time. This basket of cherries is for the Junzhu. I happened to learn that the County Princess likes to eat them, so please, Princess, take them back for her."
As soon as he finished speaking, the expression on the Empress's face changed slightly, and the smile in her eyes gradually cooled. Zhao Jiaqi was also startled. Seeing Leng Han's unusual concern for Yumeng, she smiled and replied, "You and Yumeng sparred together in the military camp, sharing a comrade’s bond and like a brother protecting her. This camaraderie is truly precious." She spoke tactfully, her implied meaning even more evident.
Without waiting for the siblings to speak again, Zhao Jiaqi continued, "I’m afraid I cannot take these cherries for you, General Leng. I cannot meddle in matters between siblings. Yumeng will be at the manor for the next couple of days. If you have time, General, you can go see her directly!"
Leng Han heard clearly and understood her meaning. But being told to deliver it to the County Princess himself, what did that imply? He first mentioned sibling affection, and then asked him to deliver it? However, since the Princess had extended the offer, he accepted. Rising, he bowed, "Then I will go visit the County Princess now. Coincidentally, I recently acquired a novel whip, and I can bring it for the County Princess." His mind was in a whirl, but he decided to deliver the gift first. It had been several months since he had seen her, and it was a good opportunity to visit.
Leng Han rose. Before he could exchange a few words with the Empress, he stood up and left. This action caused Leng Shuang’s face to darken. With a forced smile, she said, "My brother is just impatient and full of youthful vigor. It's time he found a wife to discipline him." She added, "It's also time for him to settle down and start a family. Regent Princess, don't you agree?"
Zhao Jiaqi returned a fake, insincere smile. "Your Majesty jokes. General Leng’s marriage is the Prime Minister’s concern. How could an outsider like me answer such a question?" She was not one to meddle unnecessarily; her son’s marriage had nothing to do with her. "However..." she paused, interrupting the Empress’s impending words, and continued, "If my son or daughter were of marriageable age, my husband and I would not interfere. As long as the child is happy, even if we were to marry an ugly wife, my husband and I would applaud. Even if my daughter married a hunter, we would absolutely support it." She smiled slightly, explaining her point: "Our children's marriages are their own decisions, and we, as adults, will not interfere. But if someone were to force my child, then as a mother, I would absolutely not stand by and watch, nor would I succumb to threats." She concluded by asking Leng Shuang, "Your Majesty, do you think I am doing the right thing?"
Leng Shuang’s expression was neither smiling nor crying, her face contorted in discomfort. After a long pause, she replied, "Parents naturally wish for their children to live better lives. Very few people think like the Princess." Everyone married their daughters to higher status families and their sons to lower status ones. Everyone hoped for a better life, at least one that brought honor when spoken of, not necessarily matching status, but one that reflected well. Who would applaud marrying an ugly spouse? Perhaps her mind was indeed addled.
"Indeed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have given up being Empress and come to the inner city to be a Princess. Such a person is likely only me," she said, with a hint of sarcasm. The Empress, the highest position a woman could hold, she had abandoned so readily, let alone anything else. This remark struck Leng Shuang to the core; her position as Empress was merely a favor bestowed upon her.
Pinding remained silent for a while. Even someone foolish could sense the shift in their conversation. She proactively said, "Sister-in-law, the Empress's belly looks about five or six months along. This is when she tires easily. We've seen the flowers; perhaps we should leave, allowing Her Majesty to rest well!"
Zhao Jiaqi had long wanted to leave. Dealing with someone so insincere was exhausting. "Alright, we've been out for quite some time; it is indeed time to return." The sisters-in-law exchanged glances and rose to bid farewell. Leng Shuang had initially wanted to keep them for lunch, but her good mood had been ruined, so she no longer insisted. "I will have someone escort you out," she said, unwilling to engage further.
Moments later, a well-dressed old wet nurse escorted them outside Kun Ning Palace and then returned. The Consort of Prince Xian, the Consort of Prince Xiaoyao, and the wife of General Xiao were all confused and looked to their sisters-in-law. As they walked along the long palace path, occasionally, a row of maids carrying items would pass by, but at other times, it was eerily quiet. Su Ya stepped forward and supported Zhao Jiaqi, whispering, "After we finished admiring the koi, we intended to find you, but an old wet nurse led us to a side hall, offered us tea and pastries, and then ignored us. It seems the Empress instructed them not to let us approach the palace."
Zhao Jiaqi knew Su Ya was concerned for her. She gently patted Su Ya's hand and shook her head slightly, "Don't worry, I'm fine. We'll talk after we leave the palace." The imperial palace was riddled with spies. On the surface, there were few people, but who knew how many were watching them behind the scenes. After a long walk, as they rounded a bend, they encountered two palace maids walking towards them. They first bowed and then said, "Her Ladyship the Noble Consort invites the Regent Princess. Please follow us!" Su Ya's grip on Zhao Jiaqi tightened, "Madam..." "It's alright, you all wait for me outside the palace," Zhao Jiaqi said, glancing at the two palace maids. "I'm not some precious commodity; no one would be foolish enough to harm me in the imperial palace." Even as she said it, she didn't quite believe it herself, but she said it to reassure them.